Volunteering for Journalists in Cambodia

REQUIREMENTS: Degree in Journalism or an equivalent level of work experience

ACCOMMODATION: Volunteer apartment or host family

LENGTH OF PLACEMENT: From 4 weeks

START DATES: Flexible

As a journalist in Cambodia, you can get involved with two different placements, focusing on either print or broadcast journalism. This is a great option for recent graduates eager to gain practical experience and those looking to experience a different work culture and demonstrate adaptability and resourcefulness to future employers.

If you would like to work at a print placement, you will work for a monthly publication called The Southeast Asia Globe. Launched in January 2007, Southeast Asia Globe is Cambodia's leading comprehensive English-language magazine and is an important source for English-language news in Southeast Asia. The Globe is still growing and is now distributed all over the region.

The magazine is a politically neutral publication, focusing on current affairs, issues, and life in the region, particularly the Mekong area, comprising Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The editors are innovative, running investigative articles on challenging topics, while delving into the fascinating subcultures and obscure facets of this region.

The Globe team is ambitious and dynamic, working from air-conditioned offices in the heart of Phnom Penh with all the desktop tools an aspiring journalist could need. It is an English-language publication of international standards.

If you choose to participate in broadcast journalism, you will work with our partner organization, the Cambodia Centre of Independent Media (CCIM). The CCIM is the only independent and professional media organization in Cambodia that works to promote human rights and responsible journalism through media production and dissemination. The organization also works with the implementation of community projects and advocacy. It remains the only source of independent Khmer-language news in Cambodia. They have over 60 members of permanent staff, who all speak English. Their office has a recording and media studio, and a unit for radio, TV and multimedia.

How can I help?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer journalist.

At the Southeast Asia Globe, you can work with the editorial team on tasks such as: researching and writing article and going out into the field to conduct interviews. You will also have the opportunity to pitch stories of your own. The editors you will work with are multitasking media experts with a few publications under their belt, so you could also write for one of their other two major publications in travel and business.

If you are based at the CCIM, you will be working with the radio broadcast team and online departments. You will also be working with local staff to identify newsworthy stories and writing them up in preparation for broadcast through a variety of media outlets.

What will I gain from this project?

You will gain experience of working in a busy newspaper office or media centre with fellow professional journalists. You will also have to think on your feet and interview local people in an unfamiliar environment. These kinds of skills show employers that you can get to the heart of a story while being respectful of other cultures.

You will learn about Cambodian culture by interacting with local staff and with your host family. Staff and locals alike will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this "cultural exchange" and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad provide?

We have over 20 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Cambodia is successful and enjoyable:

Safe accommodation at a shared volunteer apartment or with a Cambodian family close to your project.

Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.

A friendly member of staff available to meet you on arrival at the airport.

Medical and travel insurance.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have a degree in Journalism or an equivalent level of work experience then you are perfectly suited to this project. You must also commit to a minimum of four weeks on a Broadcasting placement, eight weeks for the media unit placement at the CCIM, and at least twelve weeks on a Print placement.

For working at the Southeast Asia Globe, you must also have computer skills and a strong interest in Southeast Asian affairs. DSLR camera skills are also useful.

General coordination skills (you may provide support to project managers when needed on specific tasks or create/update department coordination and planning tools)

Skills in Excel and/or SPSS (statistical analysis software)

Volunteers seeking a different cultural experience have the option of participating on a more unique project for one week the end of their project. For more information, please visit the Khmer Project in Cambodia page. Our Combinations Page explains how you can combine not only projects, but also destinations.